System Integration

System Integration is a process that helps an organization in integrating all the virtual and physical components. The physical components include machines systems, inventory, working staff, and other hardware whereas the virtual components comprise of software, database, data and applications used in the organization.

System integration is an IT process that helps in combining all the components of the system to make one large system that works together to perform various tasks. SI is also very important when it comes to adding value to a system. It makes sure that all the subsystems function properly and keep meeting the desired requirements.

Although the horizons of the SI methods have broadened a lot still there are few basic methods that are as follows:

Horizontal Integration

The horizontal Integration involves the creation of just a single subsystem that turns out to be a unique and improvised system interface. In this integration there is just one subsystem that ensures all the functioning. It also happens to ensure the replacement of any sub system that malfunctions in the integration. And during the replacement, there is no harm done to the other components.

Vertical Integration

A silos is created and the subsystems are placed according to their functionality. Beginning with the basic functions, the hierarchy keeps on increasing vertically as the integration progresses further. This is a very efficient and quick method that involves a few vendors. But the only problem that organizations face while using this integration is the increasing cost. And this is true that with time, the cost of maintaining the integration keeps on increasing because whenever you introduce a new functionality to the integration, you have to create a new silos.

Star Integration

Star Integration is also known as Spaghetti Integration because in this integration each subsystem is interconnected with the others, making it a multiple subsystem. And when the diagram of this integration is made, it forms a star, which is obtained due to the interlinking of the subsystems. With more connection it looks more like a Spaghetti.

Common Data Format

The common data format helps the adapter convert to and from all the applications in the format. These type of formats need a translator due to which they work on applications independent format and provide a server that helps in transforming one application into a common application.

Challenges

System Integration is one of those technologies that turns out to be very important as well as useful in making a firm work smoothly and in a better way. In this world, when you take a stroll in the market, there are many different/ diverse set of software and application. Now what makes these application an important part is the connection that it forms with the system. But many companies face a lot of problem in doing so. Some of the challenges faced are:

Making the data understandable for every sector

Creating a new set of data every time is not possible, so preserving and using the existing set of data is important to ensure a smooth functioning of the business and its success. Every sector of a company sees the data in a different manner so, making such a data that is understandable and usable for each sector is really important.

Making a connection with the monolithic systems

There are still many companies that work in the monolithic systems, and it is really very difficult to take it away from them. Maybe the reason behind this is the legacy or their usability that is keeping them at ease. Even if the company is not in the favor of eliminating this system, they at least should be able to identify and then decide the best system that could fit in their monolithic system.

Either take the fast lane or do it in a better way

In the IT sector, time is money. Often when there is a client waiting for a delivery the firms constrain on delivering things fast. But sometimes things go the other way round as well. Like if they are not working fast, they should deliver a quality work. With proper planning and outputs the work get deliver, either on time with fast pace or delayed with enhanced quality.

Making a connection with the monolithic systems

One can find plenty of tools in the market that can deliver the best integration work for an organization. But the biggest problem is, which to use? When to use? And how to use? Choosing the tool that will fit the best in your organization is the biggest question that has to be answered.

Advantages

Now with time, the usage of System Integration has been brought into the limelight. It has become very crucial for every company to utilize the SI in full potential to get success. It helps the firm in ensuring the data connectivity seamlessly and minimize the chances of errors. We help you integrate the company so that you reap the best fruits by the technologies used.

The advantages of having a system integrated business are:

The real-time visibility is improved

Usually when you do something manually, it takes a lot of time and man power to do the same work. But when it is done by the software and technology it becomes easier and efficient. The system integration minimizes the risks and enables the management to take vital decisions in no time.

Efficiency increases

The integration process can benefit you immensely and enhance the productivity of the employees as well. Automating various processes including financial consolidation, invoicing can help a company get the most of their resources.

Increase in sales

With integration in your firm, the sales chart boost and give better returns as ever. The data connectivity across all the departments is very important and this integration process makes it possible, increasing the visibility of data between you and your customers, you and your employees.

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